The BMA Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato, expressed satisfaction with the unqualified opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for the 2025/2026 financial period. He described this achievement as an important step towards establishing a public institution that is accountable, highly effective, and trustworthy.
At the first meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC), Chairman Mr. Loyanda Mangukuku congratulated the BMA Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ms. Zamachonko Chonko on this success. His remarks highlighted the joint efforts of the executive management team, the Finance Department, the ARC, and all BMA staff in strengthening governance, financial administration, and internal control.
The unqualified audit opinion confirms that BMA's financial statements comply with the established reporting system and contain no material misstatements, reflecting the Agency's commitment to transparent and responsible management of public funds.
Minister of Home Affairs welcomed the result
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, also endorsed this outcome, noting that it demonstrates the Border Management Authority is rapidly becoming a competent institution based on sound governance. Schreiber stated that the first unqualified audit opinion of BMA is a significant milestone and a strong confirmation of the innovative reforms being implemented to modernize South Africa's border control.
He added that this is another indicator of the rapid progress in enhancing the integrity of the country's immigration and border control system. Schreiber also noted that a solid governance foundation is necessary for developing a modern border control system, which in turn contributes to national security and economic growth. He emphasized that the well-designed financial management system established in this agency in a very short time proves that the additional resources allocated to BMA are a good investment for the country.
BMA was established in April 2023 as South Africa's newest state structure. Despite initial challenges related to resource shortages, organizational transformation, and departmental integration, the Agency has strengthened its governance, financial control, and institutional capacity, fulfilling its mandate to regulate the movement of people and goods through South Africa's entry points.
Confirmation of commitment to governance
Mr. Mangukuku stated that the audit result demonstrates how committed leadership, effective oversight, and a culture of accountability can lead to good governance. He noted that this achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Commissioner, CFO, leadership, and all BMA staff, showing that the Agency is building a solid foundation of accountability, sound financial management, and ethical governance. Furthermore, he reported that the Audit and Risk Committee is encouraged by the progress made and remains committed to supporting continuous improvement.
Masiapato thanked the Auditor-General of South Africa, the Audit and Risk Committee, the executive management team, and all staff whose contributions led to the positive outcome. He stressed that receiving an unqualified audit opinion within three years of BMA's establishment is an important institutional milestone, reflecting an unwavering commitment to responsible management of public resources, strong governance, and continuous improvement.
Masiapato also emphasized that BMA continues to work on improving operational efficiency, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring that every public mandate entrusted to the organization benefits the promotion of economic growth and border security. He also thanked CFO Ms. Zamachonko Chonko and her team for guiding the financial management processes that underpinned the successful audit. Recognizing the critical role of the Auditor-General of South Africa in oversight, BMA commits to implementing recommendations, improving the control environment, and maintaining high standards of corporate governance and finance.
